Bob was born December 30, 1946 in Columbus, Georgia and adopted by Algie and Doris Murray. After graduating from Columbus High in 1965 he went on to study English at Presbyterian College, where he was the fastest lineman the Blue Hose had ever signed for scholarship. And boy, did he love football! That was his first love, without a doubt. He went on to earn his Master's and Specialist's degrees in education.
In 1964, he met his true love, Jacque DuBois, in chemistry class, and that chemistry remained for their 59 years together. They married in 1967 and later had their daughter Missi, whom he adored.
Bob became an English teacher and coach of basketball, wrestling and, most importantly, football. He taught and coached over the years at Brookstone School, Kendrick High, Columbus High and Rothschild Middle. He spent the majority of his career at Rothschild, or "the rockpile", as he lovingly referred to it, and was the winningest coach in middle school history at the time. He loved teaching and coaching kids and was an incredible communicator and mentor.
He retired in 2008 and spent his time traveling with his true love, stamp collecting, cheering for his Georgia Bulldogs, and reading his favorite book, the Bible. As much as he loved football, the one thing he would want you to know about him is how much he loved the Lord. God brought him through many trials over the years, and that is where he always put his faith, until the very end. His family takes great comfort knowing Bob is now with his savior, Jessus Christ.
He is survived by his loving wife; Jacque, his adoring daughter; Missi, his son-in-law; Jason Smith, whom he couldn't have loved more, grandchildren; Ethan and Eva, niece; Janil Miller (John), nephew; Brian Kunzelmann (Sherrie) and niece; Pam Kunzelmann. There are also several men who were like sons to him - James Crocker, Craig Adams and Ryan Hutson. He couldn't have loved them more if they were his own, and they treated him like a father. Bob was predeceased by his parents; Algie and Doris Murray, and his sister; Jan Kunzelmann.
Visitation will be held at Striffler Hamby Mortuary on December 8, 5:00-7:00 PM and the Celebration of Life will be Saturday, December 9 at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Georgia Mental Health Access Alliance (gmhaa.org) or MercyMed of Columbus (mercymedcolumbus.com), two organizations he supported.
